USB Extender Over Ethernet USB 2.0 HUB RJ45 Cat5e/6 - 4-Port 60m Range

In this review the USB Extender Over Ethernet by CMSTEDCD is evaluated for anyone who needs to move USB devices far from a host without losing responsiveness. The bottom line: this kit replaces long USB cables with a pair of CAT5e/6 runs and keeps USB 2.0 throughput up to 480Mbps across distances to 196ft/60m, making it a practical choice for offices, small studios, or AV setups that must place cameras, printers, or hubs away from a PC. The review focuses on real-world reliability, installation simplicity, and the flexibility of single-sided POC power.

Key Features

• Long-distance USB over Ethernet: Replaces standard USB cabling by carrying signals over CAT5e/6 to extend USB 2.0 devices up to 60 m with reduced signal loss.
• Four simultaneous USB ports: Lets you connect up to four USB devices at once, supporting peripherals like keyboards, mice, printers, and storage without extra hubs.
• High-speed transfer: Supports up to 480Mbps USB 2.0 transfer rates for responsive peripheral use and reasonable file transfers over the link.
• Single-sided POC power: Only one power supply is required on one end, simplifying wiring and improving installation flexibility.
• Durable metal housing: Metal casing reduces heat and resists physical knocks, which helps stability during continuous operation.
• Plug and play: No driver installation is required and it supports hot-swap on Windows, MacOS, and Linux for quick deployments.

Who It's For

This extender is aimed at small offices, classrooms, or home studios that need to place USB peripherals far from the host computer while keeping simple setup and reliable performance. It suits users who run cameras, printers, scanners, or USB storage at a distance and want to avoid repeating expensive dedicated USB-over-fiber solutions.

Those who should look elsewhere include users who need USB 3.0 speeds or more than four downstream devices without an additional powered hub, and environments that cannot guarantee EIA-TIA 568B wiring standards for CAT5e/6 runs, as correct cabling is required for reliable operation.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extends USB 2.0 reliably up to 60 m over CAT6 with up to 480Mbps throughput.
• Four-port output supports multiple peripherals simultaneously without extra hubs.
• POC single-side power and metal housing simplify setup and improve durability.
• Plug-and-play support for Windows, MacOS, and Linux makes installation painless.

Cons

• Not suitable for USB 3.0 or higher bandwidth needs, so large, high-speed backups will be limited.
• Requires properly wired CAT5e/6 (EIA-TIA 568B) runs; improper cabling can cause issues.

Specifications

Product type	USB Extender over Ethernet (USB 2.0)
Maximum range	196 ft / 60 m over CAT6
Transfer rate	Up to 480Mbps (USB 2.0)
Downstream ports	4 USB ports
Power	POC single-side power supply (one power source required)
Compatibility	USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices; Windows, MacOS, Linux
Enclosure	Durable metal casing

Our Verdict

The CMSTEDCD USB Extender Over Ethernet is a pragmatic, cost-effective solution for relocating USB 2.0 peripherals up to 60 m from the host while keeping simple installation and decent throughput. It is good value for offices, classrooms, and AV setups that need four accessible USB ports and a tidy single-power wiring option; however, those needing USB 3.0 speeds or complex multi-hub cascades should consider alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special cables?
Use CAT5e or CAT6 cables wired to the EIA-TIA 568B standard for reliable transmission and to reach the full 60 m range.

Is any driver required?
No drivers are needed; the device supports plug-and-play operation and hot-swap on mainstream operating systems.

How is the unit powered?
The extender uses single-sided POC power, so only one power supply on one end is needed to feed both units, simplifying installation.